The Old School Surgery
BT
Bevin T. 2 years ago • From Google
Bad
Confused and distressed. Finding it difficult to have confidence in this practice. I have spent the last few years requesting assistance from this service. It took considerably longer than three years before I was able to have an in-person appointment, despite spending nearly three years repeatedly raising concerns about physical symptoms. None of these concerns have been thoroughly investigated. I feel uncertain about how to proceed. A clinician indicated they were unsure how to identify my condition, then stated I clearly did not match the condition they were uncertain about. I have been told "I'm not familiar with this" only to have it subsequently dismissed as though they are knowledgeable. I have requested onward referrals to specialist services but have been turned away by staff who do not appear sufficiently motivated to pursue this. Additionally, appointments require waiting periods of up to two months for what is often just a telephone consultation, which feels unproductive. I have thought about registering elsewhere but worry I would encounter similar difficulties. I simply want to feel assured that those managing my care are trustworthy. I understand that staff are under considerable pressure currently, but I do not feel this justifies the treatment I have received. I have experienced miscommunication and been made to feel dismissed long before recent circumstances, and I already carry distress from previous healthcare experiences that makes this situation harder to manage. There have been instances of records being misinterpreted, correspondence not being sent or being sent incorrectly, dates being misread, and appointments where assessments have been inadequate or omitted entirely. This has left me feeling reluctant to engage further. I should add that I was subsequently seen by a mental health professional who was remarkably insensitive and unhelpful. The interaction became so difficult that I had to end the call when they refused to address my questions. I had asked them to explain their reasoning for providing me with certain contact details, as these were not appropriate for my needs and I questioned whether they had reviewed what they had provided. They declined to respond, and when I indicated I would need to end the conversation if we could not communicate effectively, they simply agreed. I feel profoundly disappointed and without hope.
Jonathan L.